It’s been circulating around town that The Petalumans of Yesteryears have been designated as the Grand Marshal for the 2006 “Butter & Egg Days” historic parade. What an honor for this collection of historical enthusiasts. Since the theme features the Carnegie Library’s 100th Year, Mrs. Addie Atwater (one of The Petalumans), who provided the land, upon which the library was built to the city in 1904 at a very low cost, must be proud. Who are these Petalumans of Yesteryears? What do they do?
During the early days of the first Walking Tour Guide training sessions, the persona of “Mr. William H. Pepper” was adopted by this blogger. Since I had been an educator and my costume was similar to Mr. Pepper’s portrait, hanging in the museum, it was a natural. At the end of each tour of our Historic Downtown Commercial District, I would talk about Mr. Pepper’s arrival in Petaluma (1858), and his contributions to the community. Gradually, a few more guides began to identify with other early Petalumans and assume their identities.
The original group consisted of Capt. Thomas F. Baylis, Mr. Isaac Wickersham, Mrs. Clara McNear, Mrs. Addie Atwater, Mr. Brainerd Jones, and Mrs. Ida Belle McNear.
This ad hoc, independent group of historical personalities banded together to organize the first series of Petaluma history classes offered through the Adult School of the Petaluma School District in 1998. Over the years, over 20 different themes or topics were taught.
For example:
- Cypress Hill Cemetery Walk – “The Dead Come Alive”
- Petaluma’s Premier Architect – Mr. Brainerd Jones
- Egg Capital of the World – Mr. Lyman Byce and the Incubator
- Early Transportation Systems – Petaluma Creek & Railroads
- Early Civic Organizations – I.O.O.F., Elks, Masons, Woman’s Club, Rotarians.
- Changing Uses of the Land – Rural to Telecom Valley
In addition, the Petalumans of Yesteryears have made special presentations to: the Chamber of Commerce’sLeadership classes, SIRS (Sons in Retirement), local civic groups, and the Western Sonoma County Historical Society.
Today, the Petalumans of Yesteryears are a non-profit endeavor, that is independent of any existing organization; but works collaboratively with community groups like Heritage Homes, Chamber of Commerce, Petaluma Downtown Association, Petaluma Trolley Project, Adult School, Senior Center, Petaluma Museum Association, and the Petaluma Historical Society.
On Our Radar Screen: The Petalumans are in the process of reviving their “Dead Come Alive” cemetery walks, as well as the Petaluma Adult School classes. Remember, the City of Petaluma’s Sesquicentennial Celebration will take place in 2008. Stay tuned.
